Private School Cost: Bismarck vs Salem
Bismarck averages $5,900/year less for private school (91% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $76,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Bismarck is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,500/year vs $12,400/year in Salem. Religious schools run $4,600/year on the low end.
Bismarck
ND
$6,500
avg tuition/year
Salem
OR
$12,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bismarck | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $6,500/yr | $12,400/yr | -$5,900 |
| Religious Schools | $4,600/yr | $8,400/yr | -$3,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $12,800/yr | $25,000/yr | -$12,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $5,500/yr | $10,500/yr | -$5,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $6,500/yr | $12,400/yr | -$5,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $7,800/yr | $14,900/yr | -$7,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bismarck
$84,500
Salem
$161,200
Choosing Bismarck saves $76,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $153,400.
Sample Schools
Bismarck
Century High School Prep (Bismarck)
Independent · 9–12 · $8,800/yr
St. Mary's Central High School (Bismarck)
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Salem
Salem Academy (OR)
Christian · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Blanchet Catholic School (Salem)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
About This Comparison
This comparison uses NCES Private School Universe Survey data, adjusted for metro-level cost-of-living differences. "Average tuition" blends religious schools (Catholic, Christian) and independent day/prep schools. Religious schools typically cost 60-70% less than independent schools in the same city.
Grade-level estimates (elementary, middle, high) are derived from the city average using national grade-level multipliers. High school tuition typically runs 15-25% above the city average; elementary runs 10-20% below.